JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In two separate moves, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed 2018 Renewable Volume Obligation numbers for the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, as well as a measure to repeal the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule. Both are positive moves for corn farmers.
The proposed RVO numbers mirror the statutory 15 billion gallons for corn-based ethanol as originally intended by Congress. In a time of low prices and the need for additional corn grind, MCGA applauds EPA for setting the numbers at the maximum levels for conventional ethanol. This proposal opens a comment window on the rule making. MCGA will be submitting formal comments to EPA in support of maintaining the proposed levels. In addition, Missouri Corn board member Jay Schutte testified in support of the proposed levels during a hearing in Washington, D.C., Aug. 1.
In other good news, the current EPA has proposed an official repeal of the definition on WOTUS, walking back the previous administration’s rule. This rule is also open for comments and we encourage you to join MCGA in supporting the repeal. Deadline for public comments on WOTUS is Aug. 28. The next step will be for EPA to submit a new definition of WOTUS that provides the clarity agriculture needs and ensures its scope does not go beyond what was originally intended. Based on past efforts, we know the opposition will be commenting. Help balance the conversation on both issues by visiting http://capwiz.com/ncga/home/.
— Missouri Corn Growers Association
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